Keraia
Acts 8

Acts 8:27

Philip and the Ethiopian · Acts 8:26–40
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Translations

Modern
So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official in charge of the entire treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. He had gone to Jerusalem to worship,
Traditional
And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,
Literal
And having risen up, he went. And behold, a man, an Ethiopian eunuch, a potentate of Kandake, queen of the Ethiopians, who was over all her treasure, who had come to Jerusalem to worship.
Latin
Et surgens abiit. Et ecce vir Æthiops, eunuchus, potens Candacis reginæ Æthiopum, qui erat super omnes gazas ejus, venerat adorare in Jerusalem:

Original

Greek
English
So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official in charge of the entire treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. He had gone to Jerusalem to worship,

Notes

Acts 8:27

  • In the ancient world, a eunuch was a royal official. Some eunuchs had been physically altered and could not have children, while others held the title because of their role in the royal court (see 2 Kings 9:30–32; Esther 1:10; 2:3, 14–15, 21; 4:4–5).

    Many Jews looked down on eunuchs. Eunuchs could not have children, so they could not pass on the covenant family line (God’s people through descendants). The law of Moses also excluded men with damaged genitals from the assembly of Israel, which was the gathered worshiping community (Deuteronomy 23:1; compare Leviticus 21:17–23).

    However, the prophet Isaiah spoke of a future time when God would welcome non-Jewish people and eunuchs who were faithful to him (Isaiah 56:3–8; see also Matthew 19:12). In the new covenant, all people who have genuine faith belong to the people of God.

  • The eunuch traveled from Africa to Jerusalem to worship in the temple, probably for a major Jewish feast.

Acts 8:26–40

Philip obeyed the Holy Spirit and followed the Spirit’s direction. He then took the opportunity to share the message of the gospel with an Ethiopian eunuch (a trusted male official who served a king or queen) on the desert road from Jerusalem to Gaza. This event shows how effective Philip was in explaining and sharing the Christian message. It also shows his strong commitment to bringing the good news to all people, no matter their social position or ethnic background.

Events

Parallels

Isaiah 53:1–8

Places

Cush: Ancient region in Africa; associated with Egypt and Babylon Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Book of the Acts of the Apostles Candace Ethiopia Eunuch Gospel Jerusalem Council Paul the Apostle Peter, the Apostle Philip Queen Travel Treasurer

Topics

Candace: Queen of Ethiopia Ethiopia: A Eunuch From, Becomes a Disciple Beause of the Preaching of Philip Ethiopia: Candace, Queen of Eunuch: Baptism of the Ethiopian Gaza: Also Called Azzah: Desert of Philip: One of the Seven Servants : Expounds the Scriptures to the Ethiopian Eunuch Whom he Immerses Preaching: Effective by Philip Proselytes: Went up to the Feasts Queen: Candace, of Ethiopia Queens the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of The Jews Dispersed in Distant Parts often Attended Travellers of Distinction: Rode in Chariots Women: Queen Candace